PBA: Tyler Bey propels Magnolia past TNT and into semis

Tyler Bey sparks Magnolia Hotshots into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Tyler Bey led the charge in sending Magnolia to the semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the expense of quarters foe TNT, 109-94, Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Bey finished with 41 points, 13 rebounds, five steals and three blocks as the Hotshots pulled away late in the third to become the first team to reach the Final Four of the season’s only import-laden conference.

Magnolia would lead by 19 in the fourth, on its way to having the luxury of waiting for the winner of the quarters clash between Meralco and Phoenix.

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Meralco earlier forced a rubber match after a 116-107 victory in triple double, with the two teams set to meet again Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Mark Barroca added 17 for the Hotshots, the top team in the eliminations but opened the playoffs against the eighth seed Tropang Giga.

TNT made things close until the third quarter when a Flagrant Foul 1 infraction on Kib Montalbo perhaps turned the complexion of the contest.

Bey scored five straight to begin Magnolia’s separation from TNT.

Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists but the Tropang Giga ended a campaign marred by injuries to key players.

TNT does have one game left in the group stage of the East Asia Super League next week before shifting its focus on preparations for the Philippine Cup.

MAGNOLIA vs TNT Scores

MAGNOLIA 109—Bey 41, Barroca 17, Sangalang 12, Abueva 12, Jalalon 9, Lee 7, Dionisio 4, Laput 3, Dela Rosa 2, Ahanmisi 2, Corpuz 0, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0.

TNT 94—Hollis-Jefferson 27, Oftana 20, Pogoy 17, Aurin 13, K.Williams 9, Heruela 4, Montalbo 2, Galinato 2, Khobuntin 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Ponferrada 0.

Quarters: 21-23, 50-44, 77-69, 109-94.